Enjoy developing new materials, but want more influence over where those ideas go? Perhaps you're an experienced Materials Scientist or Polymer Engineer who's ready to take greater ownership of technical projects, without stepping away from the science that interests you. D3O develops advanced impact-protection materials used across sports, defence, footwear and industrial applications. As the business continues to explore new materials and technologies, we're looking for a Materials Development Project Leader to help turn promising ideas into commercially successful products. Why is this an interesting opportunity? You'll work at the intersection of materials science, product development and technical innovation, leading projects from early-stage research through to scale-up and commercialisation. Working with R&D, engineering and commercial teams, alongside suppliers and development partners across the UK, Europe and US, you'll have the opportunity to influence how new materials are developed and brought to market. You'll explore emerging technologies, evaluate material performance, solve technical challenges and coordinate the people and resources needed to move projects forward. It's a role that combines technical depth with project ownership, offering the opportunity to see your work translated into real products across a variety of industries. What experience will you need? We're interested in people with a strong background in industrial materials development, particularly polymers, polyurethanes, elastomers, thermoplastics, foams or related advanced materials. You'll have experience coordinating technical development activities, working with suppliers or external partners, and helping move materials from research towards commercial applications. A degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Engineering or a related discipline is important, although a PhD isn't essential. You don't need to have held a formal Project Leader title, but you'll need the confidence to make technical decisions, manage competing priorities and bring different teams together. What's on offer? Hybrid working – typically 3 days on-site in Croydon, with Mondays and Fridays available for remote working 23 days' holiday plus bank holidays Private healthcare 5% matched pension contribution Company sick pay and Cycle to Work scheme Opportunities for international travel Interested in finding out more? Whether you're already leading materials development projects or looking to take that next step, we'd be keen to hear from you. Get in touch with me for a confidential conversation. Cranleigh STEM & Sustainability has been selected as D3O's exclusive recruitment partner for this opportunity